U.S. patent application number 12/253208 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-20 for embedded multimedia system and related digital audio broadcasting demodulator.
Invention is credited to Cheng-Hsiung Hsu, Wen-Jau Hsu, Tzu-Ping Lin.
Application Number | 20090207942 12/253208 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40955095 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090207942 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lin; Tzu-Ping ; et
al. |
August 20, 2009 |
Embedded Multimedia System and Related Digital Audio Broadcasting
Demodulator
Abstract
An embedded multimedia system for playing analog and digital
audio broadcasting signals includes an antenna for receiving analog
and digital audio broadcasting signals, an audio output device for
outputting sound, an analog demodulator for demodulating analog
audio broadcasting signals for the audio output device, and a
digital demodulator for conducting a signal connection between the
antenna and the analog demodulator, or transforming digital audio
broadcasting signals into analog audio broadcasting signals for the
analog demodulator.
Inventors: |
Lin; Tzu-Ping; (Taipei
Hsien, TW) ; Hsu; Cheng-Hsiung; (Taipei Hsien,
TW) ; Hsu; Wen-Jau; (Taipei Hsien, TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NORTH AMERICA INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION
P.O. BOX 506
MERRIFIELD
VA
22116
US
|
Family ID: |
40955095 |
Appl. No.: |
12/253208 |
Filed: |
October 16, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
375/324 ;
700/94 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04H 40/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
375/324 ;
700/94 |
International
Class: |
H04L 27/00 20060101
H04L027/00; G06F 17/00 20060101 G06F017/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 19, 2008 |
TW |
097105725 |
Claims
1. A digital broadcasting demodulator for an embedded multimedia
system, the embedded multimedia system comprising an antenna and an
analog demodulator for playing analog audio broadcasting signals,
the digital broadcasting demodulator comprising: a digital
broadcasting transformation module comprising an input end and an
output end, for receiving digital audio signals through the input
end, transforming the received digital audio signals into analog
audio signals, and outputting the analog audio signals via the
output end; and a switch module comprising: a first end coupled to
the antenna; a second end coupled to the analog demodulator; a
third end coupled to the output end of the digital broadcasting
transformation module; a fourth end coupled to the input end of the
digital broadcasting transformation module; and a switch unit
coupled to the first end, the second end, the third end, and the
fourth end, for conducting a signal connection between the first
end and the second end, or conducting signal connections between
the first end and the fourth end and between the third end and the
second end, according to an operating mode of the embedded
multimedia system.
2. The digital broadcasting demodulator of claim 1, wherein when
the embedded multimedia system operates in an analog broadcast
mode, the switch unit conducts the signal connection between the
first end and the second end.
3. The digital broadcasting demodulator of claim 1, wherein when
the embedded multimedia system operates in a digital broadcast
mode, the switch unit conducts the signal connections between the
first end and the fourth end and between the third end and the
second end.
4. The digital broadcasting demodulator of claim 1, wherein the
switch unit comprises: a first switch comprising a first signal end
coupled to the first end, a second signal end coupled to the second
end, and a third signal end coupled to the fourth end, for
conducting a signal connection between the first signal end and the
second signal end, or conducting a signal connection between the
first signal end and the third signal end, according to the
operating mode of the embedded multimedia system; and a second
switch comprising a fourth signal end coupled to the third end, a
fifth signal end coupled to the second end, for conducting a signal
connection between the fourth signal end and the fifth signal end
according to the conduction of the first switch.
5. The digital broadcasting demodulator of claim 4, wherein when
the signal connection between the first signal end and the third
signal end of the first switch is conducted, the signal connection
between the fourth signal end and the fifth signal end of the
second switch is conducted.
6. The digital broadcasting demodulator of claim 1, wherein the
embedded multimedia system is a vehicle multimedia system.
7. An embedded multimedia system for playing analog and digital
audio broadcasting signals comprising: an antenna for receiving
analog and digital audio broadcasting signals; an audio output
device for outputting sound; an analog demodulator for demodulating
analog audio broadcasting signals for outputting sounds via the
audio output device; and a digital demodulator coupled to the
antenna and the analog demodulator for conducting a signal
connection between the antenna and the analog demodulator, or
transforming digital audio broadcasting signals into analog audio
broadcasting signals for the analog demodulator, according to an
operating mode of the embed multimedia system.
8. The embedded multimedia system of claim 7, wherein the digital
demodulator comprises: a digital broadcasting transformation module
comprising an input end and an output end, for receiving digital
audio signals through the input end, transforming the received
digital audio signals into analog audio signals, and outputting the
analog audio signals via the output end; and a switch module
comprising: a first end coupled to the antenna; a second end
coupled to the analog demodulator; a third end coupled to the
output end of the digital broadcasting transformation module; a
fourth end coupled to the input end of the digital broadcasting
transformation module; and a switch unit coupled to the first end,
the second end, the third end, and the fourth end, for conducting a
signal connection between the first end and the second end, or
conducting signal connections between the first end and the fourth
end and between the third end and the second end, according to an
operating mode of the embedded multimedia system.
9. The embedded multimedia system of claim 8, wherein when the
embedded multimedia system operates in an analog broadcast mode,
the switch unit conducts the signal connection between the first
end and the second end.
10. The embedded multimedia system of claim 8, wherein when the
embedded multimedia system operates in a digital broadcast mode,
the switch unit conducts the signal connections between the first
end and the fourth end and between the third end and the second
end.
11. The embedded multimedia system of claim 8, wherein the switch
unit comprises: a first switch comprising a first signal end
coupled to the first end, a second signal end coupled to the second
end, and a third signal end coupled to the fourth end, for
conducting a signal connection between the first signal end and the
second signal end, or conducting a signal connection between the
first end signal and the third signal end, according to the
operating mode of the embedded multimedia system; and a second
switch comprising a fourth signal end coupled to the third end, a
fifth signal end coupled to the second end, for conducting a signal
connection between the fourth signal end and the fifth signal end
according to the conduction of the first switch.
12. The embedded multimedia system of claim 11, wherein when the
signal connection between the first signal end and the third signal
end of the first switch is conducted, the signal connection between
the fourth signal end and the fifth signal end of the second switch
is conducted.
13. The embedded multimedia system of claim 7, wherein the embedded
multimedia system is a vehicle multimedia system.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an embedded multimedia
system and related digital audio broadcasting demodulator, and more
particularly, to an embedded multimedia system and related digital
audio broadcasting demodulator capable of playing analog and
digital broadcast programs.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Digital audio broadcasting (DAB) or high definition radio
technique is a 3rd-generation broadcasting technique following AM
and FM broadcasting. The DAB technology has better spectral
utilization efficiency, and can solve the lack of available
broadcasting cannels. Moreover, the DAB technology also can provide
CD-like quality and additional data service fitting the
diversification of broadcasting media. Therefore, the analog
broadcasting system tends to be replaced by the digital audio
broadcasting system.
[0005] Techniques, such as modulation and coding, utilized by the
digital audio broadcasting system are greatly different from those
utilized by the conventional AM and FM broadcasting systems. Hence,
the conventional AM and FM demodulators, such as a radio, cannot be
used in the digital audio broadcasting system. In other words, a
user needs to buy a digital broadcasting demodulator for receiving
digital broadcasting programs. However, for a vehicle multimedia
system, the user cannot receive the digital broadcasting programs
in a car by replacing a digital broadcasting demodulator, causing
inconvenience for the user.
[0006] In short, due to a vehicle multimedia system is integrated
with a vehicle housing or interior, the user cannot easily replace
the broadcasting demodulator, such that the user cannot receive the
digital broadcasting programs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is therefore a primary objective of the claimed invention
to provide an embedded multimedia system and related digital audio
broadcasting demodulator.
[0008] An embodiment of the invention discloses a digital
broadcasting demodulator for an embedded multimedia system. The
embedded multimedia system includes an antenna and an analog
demodulator for playing analog audio broadcasting signals, the
digital broadcasting demodulator includes a digital broadcasting
transformation module which includes an input end and an output
end, for receiving digital audio signals through the input end,
transforming the received digital audio signals into analog audio
signals, and outputting the analog audio signals via the output
end, and a switch module includes a first end coupled to the
antenna, a second end coupled to the analog demodulator, a third
end coupled to the output end of the digital broadcasting
transformation module, a fourth end coupled to the input end of the
digital broadcasting transformation module, and a switch unit
coupled to the first end, the second end, the third end, and the
fourth end, for conducting a signal connection between the first
end and the second end, or conducting signal connections between
the first end and the fourth end and between the third end and the
second end, according to an operating mode of the embedded
multimedia system.
[0009] An embodiment of the invention further discloses an embedded
multimedia system for playing analog and digital broadcasting audio
signals, which includes an antenna for receiving analog and digital
audio broadcasting signals, an audio output device for outputting
sound, an analog demodulator for demodulating analog audio
broadcasting signals for outputting sounds via the audio output
device, and a digital demodulator coupled to the antenna and the
analog demodulator for conducting a signal connection between the
antenna and the analog demodulator, or transforming the digital
audio broadcasting signals into analog audio broadcasting signals
for the analog demodulator, according to an operating mode of the
embed multimedia system.
[0010] These and other objectives of the invention will no doubt
become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading
the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment that
is illustrated in the various figures and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embedded multimedia
system according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the digital demodulator
shown in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the switch unit shown in
FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Please refer to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an
embedded multimedia system 10 according to an embodiment of the
invention. The embedded multimedia system 10 is preferably a
vehicle multimedia system, and includes an antenna 100, an audio
output device 102, an analog demodulator 104, and a digital
demodulator 106. The antenna 100 is utilized for receiving analog
and digital audio broadcasting signals. The digital demodulator 106
is coupled between the antenna 100 and the analog demodulator 104
for conducting a signal connection between the antenna 100 and the
analog demodulator 104, or transforming digital audio broadcasting
signals into analog audio broadcasting signals for the analog
demodulator 104, according to an operating mode of the embedded
multimedia system 10. The analog demodulator 104 is coupled to the
digital demodulator 106, and utilized for demodulating analog audio
broadcasting signals, so as to output sounds via the audio output
device 102.
[0015] Therefore, using the embedded multimedia system 10, when a
user wants to receive analog broadcasting programs, the digital
demodulator 106 conducts the signal connection between the antenna
100 and the analog demodulator 104. When the user wants to receive
digital broadcasting programs, the digital demodulator 106
transforms the digital audio broadcasting signals into analog audio
broadcasting signals for the analog demodulator 104, in order to
play the digital broadcasting programs via the audio output device
102.
[0016] As mentioned above, due to the vehicle multimedia system is
integrated with a vehicle housing or interior, the user cannot
easily replace broadcasting demodulator, so that the user cannot
receive the digital broadcasting programs. In such a condition,
according to the invention, the user can add the digital
demodulator 106 between the antenna 100 and the analog demodulator
104 to receive analog and digital broadcasting programs.
[0017] Note that, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram according to an
exemplary embodiment of the invention, and those skilled in the art
can make alternations and modifications accordingly. For example,
please refer to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the
digital demodulator 106 shown in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment
of the invention. The digital demodulator 106 includes a digital
broadcasting transformation module 200 and a switch module 202. The
digital broadcasting transformation module 200 is utilized for
receiving digital audio broadcasting signals and transforming the
received digital audio broadcasting signals into analog audio
broadcasting signals. The switch module 202 includes a first end
204, a second end 206, a third end 208, a fourth end 210, and a
switch unit 212. The first end 204 is coupled to the antenna 100.
The second end 206 is coupled to the analog demodulator 104. The
third end 208 is coupled to the output end of the digital
broadcasting transformation module 200. The fourth end 210 is
coupled to the input end of the digital broadcasting transformation
module 200. The switch unit 212 is coupled to the first end 204,
the second end 206, the third end 208, and the fourth end 210, and
utilized for conducting a signal connection between the first end
204 and the second end 206, or conducting signal connections
between the first end 204 and the fourth end 210 and between the
third end 208 and the second end 206, according to the operating
mode of the embedded multimedia system 10. For example, when the
embedded multimedia system 10 operates in an analog broadcast mode,
the switch unit 212 conducts the signal connection between the
first end 204 and the second end 206. When the embedded multimedia
system 10 operates in a digital broadcast mode, the switch unit 212
conducts the signal connections between the first end 204 and the
fourth end 210 and between the third end 208 and the second end
206. Thus, the user can receive the analog and digital broadcasting
programs.
[0018] Please further refer to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a schematic
diagram of the switch unit 212 shown in FIG. 2 according to an
embodiment of the invention. The switch unit 212 includes a first
switch 30 and a second switch 32. Both of the first switch 30 and
the second switch 32 are three-terminal components, and include
signal ends 300, 302, 304 and signal ends 306, 308, 310
respectively. The first switch 30 and the second switch 32 are
synchronous switches, i.e. while the signal end 300 is connected to
the signal end 304, the signal end 308 is also connected to the
signal end 306. In other words, when the embedded multimedia system
10 operates in the analog broadcast mode, the signal end 300 is
connected to the signal end 302, and the signal end 308 is
connected to the floating signal end 310, in order to connect the
first end 204 with the second end 206. When the embedded multimedia
system 10 operates in a digital broadcast mode, the signal end 300
is connected to the signal end 304, and the signal end 308 is
connected to the signal end 306 synchronously, in order to connect
the first end 204 with the fourth end 210 and the third end 208
with the second end 206. Thus, the user can receive the analog and
digital broadcasting programs.
[0019] Note that, FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 are used to illustrate the
invention, but are not limitation of the invention, and those
skilled in the art can make alternations and modifications
accordingly.
[0020] In conclusion, targeting at the embedded multimedia system
supporting only analog broadcasting function, such as vehicle
multimedia systems, the invention performs only slight modification
on the embedded multimedia system, and can expand the broadcasting
function to play the analog and digital broadcasting programs
without replace original components. Therefore, the invention not
only reserves the original function of the vehicle multimedia
system, but also preserves the integrity of the vehicle interior
without substantial modification.
[0021] Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous
modifications and alterations of the device and method may be made
while retaining the teachings of the invention.
* * * * *